UNIFIL celebrates International Day of Peace for the last time: Still unattainable in South Lebanon

Beirut – Mansour Shaaban

The head of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), General Lieutenant-Commander Diodato Abagnara, delivered a speech emphasizing that “peace is not something we observe once a year, but a continuous responsibility. We conduct patrols and keep communication channels open with the parties to mitigate the risks of misunderstanding and escalation. We also work alongside the Lebanese Armed Forces as they assume greater responsibilities in the south.”

These remarks were made in a brief address during a modest ceremony held at UNIFIL’s headquarters in the border town of Naqoura to mark “International Day of Peace” on the evening of the day before yesterday.

Abagnara noted that “hostile actions” have had a “deep humanitarian and material impact on southern Lebanon, as the current conflict has forced thousands of people to leave their homes, many of whom remain displaced. The conflict has also disrupted livelihoods, caused widespread damage to homes and infrastructure, and resulted in civilian casualties and injuries. Civilians on both sides of the Blue Line have found themselves living under tension and fear.”

He added: “Today, peace in southern Lebanon remains elusive, but hope for its achievement persists. This is the aspiration that peacekeepers reaffirm on International Day of Peace. Lasting peace requires commitments and political solutions from the parties themselves. Peacekeeping forces can help restore stability, avoid misunderstandings, and reduce the risk of escalation, but they cannot replace the political will and decisions necessary to end the conflict permanently.”

He stated: “The responsibility for reaching a political solution lies with the parties. UNIFIL will continue to fulfill its role by keeping communication channels open, mitigating the risk of escalation, and supporting diplomatic efforts.”

Abagnara highlighted United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, stating that “the full implementation of this resolution remains the goal and foundation for achieving lasting peace and stability in southern Lebanon.” He considered that “continued cooperation between the Lebanese Armed Forces and peacekeeping forces remains essential to maintaining stability and supporting the extension of state authority in the south.”

UNIFIL noted in a statement that “this celebration marks the last observance of International Day of Peace by UNIFIL before the end of its mandate at the end of the year, following the Security Council’s 2025 decision to terminate the mission.”

In a separate development at Baabda Palace, President Joseph Aoun, during his reception of the Lady Elige Association, stressed the “necessity of strengthening national unity to face challenges in the region and the world, with the aim of mitigating the impact of these challenges, and ensuring that settlements are not made at Lebanon’s expense.”

He said: “Lebanon, with its resources and potential, is capable of rising again whenever its sons decide to draw strength from one another rather than from external forces, to speak with one voice—the voice of Lebanon—and to place the interests of their country above all else. Enough of relying on external powers against each other internally in service of Lebanon’s enemies; let us draw strength from one another against external threats.”

In New York, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres at the latter’s headquarters in New York, on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. Salam emphasized the “importance of maintaining an international presence under the UN umbrella in the south in the post-UNIFIL phase.” The discussions also addressed the humanitarian situation in Lebanon, with Prime Minister Salam noting that “approximately 329,000 people remain displaced” and stressing the “importance of continuing to mobilize funding for the humanitarian response and supporting UN agencies in assisting displaced persons.”